Furry Friends and Fairy Tale Endings

7/24/2020

Pets are family. What better way to honor our family than by including them in the special day? No matter what kind of companion you have, be it a dog, cat, horse, bunny, llama or anything else, including them in the wedding is absolutely precious and something we, at Desiree Carol Special Events, can make happen. While it may not be for everyone, having pets in weddings has become a big trend and one to easily fall in love with. The pictures speak for themselves. Here are some ways to incorporate our four-legged loved ones in our fairy tale endings.

Click to purchase this adorable bandana!

In the Ceremony: Seeing a pet strut down the aisle is a guaranteed way to make your guests smile. You run the risk of being out shined by a fur ball, but I think it’s pretty worth it. Using a pup as a groomsman, bridesmaid or ring bearer is a common trend in weddings these days and for good reason. Ever thought about having a “Dog of Honor” because well, you should. Better yet, dressing them up or having them carry something down the aisle is an added bonus and a perfect photo opportunity.

Photos, Photos and more Photos! Speaking of photos…If including your pet in the ceremony is not an option, photos outside of the ceremony are always a great way to savor the memories with your pets. Depending on how well behaved your pet is, you can include them in the getting ready process, first look photos, and so much more. Remember not all photos have to be picture perfect and sometimes the most candid ones end up being our favorites.

Consider the Decorations: Maybe the venue doesn’t allow for pets or your animal does not do well with crowds of people....well, fret not! Tying your fur baby into your decorations, favors, and stationary is still a very cute and viable option. Maybe name a cocktail or two after them. Include them in your cake topper or send your guests home with some treats in their honor.

Click here to purchase a sign like this!

Click here to purchase a personalized poster like this!

Reception Entertainment: As much as you would like everyone to get off of their feet and dance at the end of the day, not everyone is confident enough to bust a move. Luckily, dogs are a great alternative source of entertainment for anyone not willing to hit the dance floor. On the other hand, if people take in enough liquid courage and the dance floor is filled, dogs love to shake their tails too. If you have kids at the event a sure fire way to keep them occupied is with an animal. I like to think of it as free childcare and pet sitting all in one.

Photo by Lydia Ruth Photography featured on The Knot

I’m sure the pictures have spoken for themselves and you have a little bit more of an idea on how to share some of your special day with your pet. If you have decided to have your pet in your wedding, make sure you consider the following:

Does your venue allow for animals? And if so, at what cost?

Is the venue big enough for your furry friend(s)? Remember, they will need a place to do their business.

Let your photographer know in advance so they can think of cute photo-ops.

Who will be watching your pet during the day? Do you need to hire a pet sitter?

How many squirrels will your pet try to chase on the big day?

What is your pet’s personality like? Will they be behaved or is there a chance they will bark for the whole ceremony?

How will your guests feel about animals? If you are going to bring your lil loved ones to the big day make sure to let your guests know in advance… allergies could get crazy.

Do you need to train your dog on how to walk down an aisle?

The most important question of them all… what will they wear?

Check out this wedding that we had the pleasure of coordinating at The Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach. Christina and Ray have the cutest little fur child named Baby and did such an amazing job of incorporating her into their big day. If you as obsessed with this little bundle of cuteness as we are, you can follow her on her Instagram @furbabybaby . Her mom and dad are always taking her on the best adventures!

And our All American Wedding we were so happy to be a part of at Bandy Canyon Ranch. How adorable is this little pooch Bentley?!?!?! For more details on this fabulous day, check out our All American Wedding Blog Post.

And we can't sign off without a throwback to Desiree Carol's wedding in 2010 and her little yorki-poo, Martini Joy, being walked down the aisle by her flower girl <3